John 6:53
So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man, you have no life in you.
Truly, truly
The Greek phrase "ἀμὴν ἀμὴν" (amen amen) is used here, emphasizing the absolute truth and importance of what Jesus is about to say. In Jewish tradition, repeating a word underscores its significance. Jesus uses this phrase to capture attention and assert the certainty and authority of His statement. It is a call to listen closely and understand the gravity of His teaching.

I tell you
This phrase indicates a direct communication from Jesus, emphasizing His role as a teacher and prophet. It is a personal address, inviting the listener into a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. Jesus speaks with authority, not merely as a teacher of the law but as the divine Word made flesh.

unless you eat
The Greek word for "eat" here is "φάγητε" (phagete), which implies a physical act of consumption. This word choice is deliberate, as it challenges the listener to move beyond a metaphorical understanding to a tangible, participatory faith. Eating, in this context, symbolizes an intimate and necessary act of receiving Christ wholly into one's life.

the flesh
The term "σάρκα" (sarka) refers to the physical body. In the Jewish context, flesh often represented human nature and mortality. Jesus' use of "flesh" here is radical, as it points to His incarnation and the sacrificial nature of His mission. It underscores the reality of His humanity and the tangible nature of His sacrifice.

of the Son of Man
This title, "ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου" (ho huios tou anthrōpou), is a messianic term rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a divine figure with authority and dominion. Jesus uses this title to affirm His identity as both fully human and fully divine, the one who bridges heaven and earth.

and drink His blood
The command to "drink" (πίνω, pinō) His blood is even more provocative, as blood was considered sacred and not to be consumed according to Jewish law (Leviticus 17:10-14). Here, Jesus is foreshadowing the New Covenant, where His blood, shed on the cross, becomes the source of eternal life and forgiveness. It signifies the depth of communion and the transformative power of His sacrifice.

you have no life in you
The phrase "οὐκ ἔχετε ζωὴν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς" (ouk echete zōēn en heautois) starkly presents the consequence of not partaking in Christ. "Life" (ζωὴν, zōēn) here refers to eternal life, a quality of life that is both abundant and everlasting. Jesus is declaring that apart from Him, true life is unattainable. This statement calls believers to recognize their dependence on Christ for spiritual vitality and eternal salvation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching about the necessity of spiritual sustenance through Him.

2. The Disciples
Present during this teaching, they are challenged to understand the deeper spiritual meaning of Jesus' words.

3. The Crowd
Includes both followers and skeptics, who are grappling with the radical nature of Jesus' teaching.

4. Capernaum
The location where Jesus delivers this discourse, a town on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

5. The Last Supper (Event)
Though not directly mentioned here, this teaching foreshadows the institution of the Lord's Supper.
Teaching Points
Understanding Spiritual Nourishment
Jesus emphasizes that true life comes from Him. Just as physical food sustains the body, spiritual nourishment through Christ sustains the soul.

The Radical Call to Faith
Jesus' words challenge believers to move beyond superficial understanding to a deep, abiding faith that embraces the mystery of His sacrifice.

The Importance of Communion
This passage foreshadows the practice of Communion, reminding believers of the importance of regularly participating in the Lord’s Supper as a means of grace and remembrance.

The Necessity of Christ’s Sacrifice
The reference to eating His flesh and drinking His blood points to the necessity of accepting and internalizing the sacrifice of Jesus for eternal life.

Living in Christ
Believers are called to live in a continual relationship with Jesus, drawing life and strength from Him daily.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the cultural and religious context of Jesus' audience help us interpret His statement in John 6:53?

2. In what ways does the practice of Communion help you to internalize the teachings of Jesus in your daily life?

3. How can the concept of Jesus as the "bread of life" influence your approach to spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Bible study?

4. What are some practical ways you can "abide in Christ" as described in John 15, in light of the teaching in John 6:53?

5. How does the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, particularly the role of blood in atonement, enhance your understanding of Jesus' words in this passage?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 1:14
Connects to the concept of Jesus as the Word made flesh, emphasizing the incarnation and the tangible presence of God among humanity.

Matthew 26:26-28
Relates to the Last Supper, where Jesus explicitly connects the bread and wine to His body and blood, instituting the practice of Communion.

Leviticus 17:11
Discusses the life-giving nature of blood, providing a background for understanding the significance of Jesus' reference to His blood.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Paul’s teaching on the Lord’s Supper, reinforcing the importance of remembering Jesus' sacrifice through Communion.

Hebrews 9:22
Highlights the necessity of blood for atonement, underscoring the sacrificial aspect of Jesus' death.
Believing Must be on Christ OnlyS. Charnock.John 6:47-58
Certain Salvation by BelievingC. H. Spurgeon.John 6:47-58
Christ Alone is the Bread of LifeC. H. Spurgeon.John 6:47-58
Christ the Bread of LifeRalph Robinson.John 6:47-58
Christ the Chosen Food of Earnest ChristiansC. H. Spurgeon.John 6:47-58
Christ the True Food and Drink of BelieversRalph Robinson.John 6:47-58
Eating Christ's FleshW. Brock, D. D.John 6:47-58
Everlasting LifeW. Jay.John 6:47-58
Everlasting LifeW. H. Van Doren, D. D.John 6:47-58
Faith in Christ Must be PersonalJ. Spencer.John 6:47-58
Faith, Though Weak, Saves the SoulH. Muller.John 6:47-58
How Christ is to be Fed UponRalph Robinson.John 6:47-58
Meat and Drink IndeedR. Tuck, B. A.John 6:47-58
Meat and Drink IndeedBp. Beveridge.John 6:47-58
Meat and Drink IndeedJ. Flavel.John 6:47-58
No Life Without Feeding Upon ChristC. H. Spurgeon.John 6:47-58
The Blood of Christ Our Only HopeJohn 6:47-58
The Bread of LifeJ. Irons.John 6:47-58
The Bread of LifePreacher's AnalystJohn 6:47-58
The Bread of Life and MannaW. Baxendale.John 6:47-58
The Food of the SoulBp. Ryle.John 6:47-58
The Food of the SoulJ. M. Ludlow, D. D.John 6:47-58
The Food that Gives LifeA. Maclaren, D. D.John 6:47-58
The Food that Jesus Gave to His OwnW. Arnot, D. D.John 6:47-58
The Meat and Drink of the New NatureC. H. Spurgeon.John 6:47-58
The Vital Relation to ChristJ. A. Beith, D. D.John 6:47-58
Truly Eating the Flesh of JesusC. H. Spurgeon.John 6:47-58
We Must Feed Upon ChristC. H. Spurgeon.John 6:47-58
We Must Feed Upon Christ for OurselvesSword and Trowel.John 6:47-58
People
Andrew, Jesus, Joseph, Judas, Peter, Philip, Simon
Places
Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Sea of Tiberias, Tiberias
Topics
Blood, Certainly, Drink, Drunk, Eat, Eaten, Except, Flesh, Solemn, Truly, Truth, Unless, Verily, Yourselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 6:53

     2203   Christ, titles of
     2221   Christ, Son of Man
     6139   deadness, spiritual

John 6:41-59

     4418   bread

John 6:47-58

     4474   manna

John 6:48-58

     4438   eating

John 6:50-58

     7957   sacraments

John 6:51-58

     7110   body of Christ

John 6:53-54

     2021   Christ, faithfulness

John 6:53-56

     4435   drinking
     5441   philosophy

John 6:53-57

     7317   blood, of Christ

John 6:53-58

     8164   spirituality

John 6:53-66

     6206   offence

Library
May 9 Evening
It is I; be not afraid.--JOHN 6:20. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.--I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Woe is me! for I am undone; . . . mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 22 Morning
Your work of faith.--I THES. 1:3. This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.--Faith worketh by love.--He that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.--We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.--Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 8 Evening
Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.--ROM. 10:13. Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.--Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.--What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him. If ye . . . being
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 21 Morning
Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.--JOHN 6:37. It shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.--I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the Lord their God.--I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 29 Morning
His commandments are not grievous.--I JOHN 5:3. This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life.--Whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.--If ye love me, keep my commandments.--He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 14 Evening
The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.--JOHN 6:63. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth.--The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. Christ . . . loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 23 Evening
It is the spirit that quickeneth.--JOHN 6:63. The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.--That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.--Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 17 Morning
Quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.--PSA. 80:18. It is the Spirit that quickeneth.--The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.--Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 29 Evening
David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.--I SAM. 30:6. Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.--I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 14 Evening
Give us this day our daily bread.--MATT. 6:11. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.--His bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.--The ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook. My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.--Be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 8. "He that Eateth Me, Even He Shall Live by Me" (John vi. 57).
"He that eateth Me, even He shall live by Me" (John vi. 57). What the children of God need is not merely a lot of teaching, but the Living Bread. The best wheat is not good food. It needs to be ground and baked before it can be digested and assimilated so as to nourish the system. The purest and the highest truth cannot sanctify or satisfy a living soul. He breathes the New Testament message from His mouth with a kiss of love and a breath of quickening power. It is as we abide in Him, lying upon
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

June 22. "This is that Bread which came Down from Heaven" (John vi. 58).
"This is that bread which came down from heaven" (John vi. 58). We had the sentence of death in ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead; who delivereth us from so great a death, who doth deliver; in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us. This was the supernatural secret of Paul's life; he drew continually in his body from the strength of Christ, his Risen Head. The body which rose from Joseph's tomb was to him a physical reality and the inexhaustible
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Fourth Miracle in John's Gospel
And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.'--JOHN vi. 11. This narrative of the miraculous feeding of the five thousand is introduced into John's Gospel with singular abruptness. We read in the first verse of the chapter: 'After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee,' i.e. from the western to the eastern side. But the Evangelist does not tell
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Fragments' or 'Broken Pieces'
'When they were filled, He said unto His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.'--JOHN vi. 12. The Revised Version correctly makes a very slight, but a very significant change in the words of this verse. Instead of 'fragments' it reads 'broken pieces.' The change seems very small, but the effect of it is considerable. It helps our picture of the scene by correcting a very common misapprehension as to what it was which the Apostles are bid to gather up. The general notion,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Fifth Miracle in John's Gospel
'So when they had rowed about five-and-twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. 20. But He said unto them, It is I; be not afraid.'--JOHN vi. 19,20. There are none of our Lord's parables recorded in this Gospel, but all the miracles which it narrates are parables. Moral and religious truth is communicated by the outward event, as in the parable it is communicated by the story. The mere visible fact becomes more than semi-transparent.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

How to Work the Work of God
'Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29. Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye, believe on Him whom He hath sent.'--JOHN vi. 28, 29. The feeding of the five thousand was the most 'popular' of Christ's miracles. The Evangelist tells us, with something between a smile and a sigh, that 'when the people saw it, they said, This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world,' and they were so delighted with Him and with
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Manna
'I am that bread of life. 49. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.'--JOHN vi. 48-50. 'This is of a truth that Prophet,' said the Jews, when Christ had fed the five thousand on the five barley loaves and the two small fishes. That was the kind of Teacher for them; they were quite unaffected by the wisdom of His words and the beauty of His deeds, but a miracle that found food precisely
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Redemption (Continued)
"He that eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath life eternal."--JOHN VI. 54. We were made for holiness, union with God, eternal life. These are but different expressions for one and the same thing. For holiness is the realisation of our manhood, of that Divine Image which is the true self, expressing itself and acting, as it does in us, through the highest of animal forms. That perfect self-realisation is not merely dependent upon, but is union with God, at its beginning, throughout its
J. H. Beibitz—Gloria Crucis

The Study of the Bible Recommended; and a Method of Studying it Described.
Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of Eternal Life. IT was probably in that synagogue which the faithful Centurion built at Capernaum [243] that our Saviour had been discoursing. At the end of his discourse, it is related that "many of His Disciples went back, and walked no more with Him." Thereupon, He asked the Twelve, "Will ye also go away?" the very form of His inquiry (Me kai humeis) implying the answer which the Divine Speaker expected and desired. And to this challenge of Love
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

The Attractive Power of God
THE ATTRACTIVE POWER OF GOD St John vi. 44.--"No one can come unto Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him." Our Lord Jesus Christ hath in the Gospel spoken with His own blessed lips these words, which signify, "No man can come to Me unless My Father draw him." In another place He says, "I am in the Father and the Father in Me." Therefore whoever cometh to the Son cometh to the Father. Further, He saith, "I and the Father are One. Therefore whomsoever the Father draweth, the Son draweth
Johannes Eckhart—Meister Eckhart's Sermons

The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
Luke 10:42 -- "But one thing is needful." It was the amiable character of our blessed Redeemer, that "he went about doing good," this great motive, which animated all his actions, brought him to the house of his friend Lazarus, at Bethany, and directed his behavior there. Though it was a season of recess from public labor, our Lord brought the sentiments and the pious cares of a preacher of righteousness into the parlor of a friend; and there his doctrine dropped as the rain, and distilled as the
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 53, "Except Ye Eat the Flesh," Etc. , and on the Words of the Apostles. And the Psalms. Against
Delivered at the Table of the Martyr St. Cyprian, the 9th of the Calends of October,--23 Sept., on the Lord's day. 1. We have heard the True Master, the Divine Redeemer, the human Saviour, commending to us our Ransom, His Blood. For He spake to us of His Body and Blood; He called His Body Meat, His Blood Drink. The faithful recognise the Sacrament of the faithful. But the hearers what else do they but hear? When therefore commending such Meat and such Drink He said, "Except ye shall eat My Flesh
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 55,"For My Flesh is Meat Indeed, and My Blood is Drink Indeed. He that Eateth My Flesh," Etc.
1. As we heard when the Holy Gospel was being read, the Lord Jesus Christ exhorted us by the promise of eternal life to eat His Flesh and drink His Blood. Ye that heard these words, have not all as yet understood them. For those of you who have been baptized and the faithful do know what He meant. But those among you who are yet called Catechumens, or Hearers, could be hearers, when it was being read, could they be understanders too? Accordingly our discourse is directed to both. Let them who already
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Links
John 6:53 NIV
John 6:53 NLT
John 6:53 ESV
John 6:53 NASB
John 6:53 KJV

John 6:53 Commentaries

Bible Hub
John 6:52
Top of Page
Top of Page